The Color Purple1 essays

The Color Purple1 essays Change over time was a theory that was first realized by the Greeks and, only thousands of years later, accepted as fact. As time goes by, things change. And this change is never more evident than in human growth and development. But what is it that causes human metamorphosis to occur? Oftentimes, the change comes from within, simply the innate desire to improve oneself. Other times, the transformation is directly the result of outside influences; such as a significant event or inspiration from respected individuals and role models. The latter is the case in Alice Walkers The Color Purple. In this novel, Walker uses the influence of other strong female characters to act as catalysts on Celies journey of self-discovery. Inspired by Sophia, Celie is able to establish her independence from her abusive husband. Celie knows she is controlled by Mr.___ and acknowledges this when she ...think bout how every time (she) jump when Mr.___ call (her) (Purple, 38). Celies weakness is justified, considering that male domination is a constant in her life. Passed from one chauvinistic man to another, women in subordinate roles is all she knows and can relate to. As put by critic Donna Winchell, At first fighting back does not even seem an option, survival seems the best she can hope for, in this world at least (86). However, witnessing the relationship between her son-in-law Harpo and his wife Sophia brings Celie to the realization that such abuse is not necessary and instills in her the desire to stand up for herself. This is evident in Celies envy of Sophias strength towards Harpo; I say it because Im jealous of you. I say it because you do what I cant (Purple, 42). Celie longs for the courage she finds in Sophia. Years of abuse has made her feel that she cannot assert her own independence, and that she is powerless against her husband&apo...